The Date

The Date

I'm all ready, physically, not emotionally. I decided to let my mom dress me. She was so tickled by the idea of Alex trapping me into a date. After going through my entire wardrobe, twice, mom and I agreed on a little black wrap dress. The dress is lace and fits well. My mother crooned over my “hour glass figure.” when I put it on. Paired with the only decent heels I have, black pumps. My wavy brown hair is piled into a loose bun on top of my head with little tendrils falling around my face. I was too lazy to blow dry after getting Bailey ready for her night with the grandparents. I look nice, but not too nice. I could wear this to a business meeting, and as far as I’m concerned that’s what I’m going on. I'm trying to get my mom and Bailey out of the house before Alex gets here, but I know it's no use. There is no way my mom is going to miss eyeing this guy up after the way I described him to her. At 7 on the dot the doorbell rings. Before I can think Bailey is at the front door asking, 

"Who is it?" "Alex? I don't know a Alex, Mama says don't answer the door if I don't know who it is. Bye!" 

Bailey giggles and skips off to her room. I shoot my mom a look thinking, "I told you to leave" I take a deep breath and open the door, there he is. Beautiful smile, perfect styled hair, a five o'clock shadow, wearing a white button down underneath a slim grey suit. He stands holding a bouquet of peonies. Words, damn it mouth, make with the words. 

"Good evening Ms. Landry." I'm underdressed standing next to him. I'm underwhelming standing next to him. He hands me the peonies and I hand them to my mother who is just standing behind, mouth agape. I'm in such a hurry to get out of here. I don't need my mom to embarrass me, not tonight at least. 

"Mom this is Alex. Alex this is my mother Charlotte." 

"Very nice to meet you." Alex offers his hand to my mom. 

"Likewise" mom nearly whispers. I'm glad to see it's not just me that is affected by him. Mom smiles and excuses herself. I can't believe she's speechless. I'm glad for Bailey's playfulness now. Had she not attempted to answer the door I would be coming up with some explanation as to why Alex brought me flowers for a business meeting. I tend to not lie to my daughter, but that might have been the moment I faltered. Luckily she's in the other room. We're about to head out the door when mom leans in to give me a hug and whispers in my ear, 

"Oh my gosh Cam." She pulls back with wide eyes and smiles at me. Easy tiger.  

Parked in my driveway next to my old dirty Honda is a shiny Rolls-Royce Wraith. It's gorgeous, and familiar. I'm glad to finally not be staring at his car from my living room window. I'm embarrassed by the state of my car though. Alex seems not to notice my crap wagon as he opens my door and offers his hand to guide me into the car. He walks to his door and I'm enjoying just watching him walk. It's ridiculous how beautiful he is. He sits down and starts the engine. The radio clicks on, and I'm lulled by the crooning voice of John Mayer. Cheap shot I think to myself on a smile. Alex notices, 

"Do you like John Mayer?" 

"What woman doesn't?" 

"Are you calling my music taste girly?" 

"Not intentionally"

I'm kinda hoping that I've offended him but I catch his playful grin. This is a slippery slope. I must not lead him on. I'm not ready for anything to disrupt my routine life. Things are going well for Bailey and I, and I don't want to mess that up. The air in the car switches from playful and warm, to rigid and cold. It's all my doing, and I feel guilty, but it's for his own good.

We pull up to a tall building with a red awning that reads, "The Sky room." The valet opens my door and helps me out the car, before I know it Alex is by my side. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get to watch him walk around the car again. After handing the valet the keys we walk into the building. Two men in tuxes open the doors. A third gentleman greets us. "Mr. Roen, so nice to see you again. Your table is ready as requested, right this way." I'm in awe of what is happening. Who is this man? I’ve never looked past his annoying relentless behavior. This is some high class business, and I feel so out of place. We're lead to an elevator and I'm nervous about being in a small high speed box with a man that makes my heart pound. The elevator doors shut and sure enough my heart is picking up pace. Alex sees me take a deep breath and I see him smile. He is well aware of what I couldn’t deny on my porch. I imagine every other woman in the world couldn’t deny his effects either. The doors open and I’m in awe as we step into this stunning space. Large windows provide a breathtaking panorama view of the bay and the twinkling lights of the city. Alex is watching my reaction, pleased with himself. Geez he should be. I've never been somewhere so awe-inspiring for dinner. A new man in a tux greets us.  

"Mr. Roen, right this way sir." We're seated at a table next to the window with the best view of the ocean. A single candle is lighting our table and a small bouquet of peonies is the centerpiece. What a coincidence, I joke to myself. I can't help but feel the romance. I must not lead him on. My new mantra.

"I've ordered ahead for us, I hope you don't mind." 

“Not at all”

“Their filet is fantastic.” 

Awkward silence.  

“This restaurant is beautiful, I take it you come here often?”

“I've been before.” He smiles before lifting his glass to his beautiful full lips. I must not lead him on. I'm mentally slapping sense into myself. 

“Tell me about your daughter.” He says leaning forward onto his elbows and resting his index fingers on his lips.

My eyes light up at the thought of Bailey. 

“Well, she's five. She's beautiful, smart, and the funniest person I know. I'm lucky, everything about her is easy. Her pregnancy was easy, she slept through the night as a baby and learned to laugh and smile at an early age. She makes me appreciate life. Few people have that in their day to day.” 

Alex is smiling. 

“Five. Kindergarten then?”

“Yeah, she's growing too fast, but it's amazing to watch. I sound so cliche.” I take a sip of my water.  

“I'm sorry to bring this up, but I'm sorry about your husband.” 

All happy thoughts are now gone. 

“How do you know about him?” I can't raise my eyes past my knotted fingers resting in my lap. At least their not holding down an imaginary floating table. 

Alex is stunned by my surprise, I should have figured that he’d have my credit score by now. “When we met you mentioned your daughter. I had to know if you were married. I googled you. I found an article on the incident. I'm sorry. To lose him so young must have been hard.” 

“It’s still hard.” 

Silence.

“Stuffed Calamari to start. Will there be anything else?” 

“No thank you.” 

Thank The Lord for that waiters timing. We both dig in. This is delicious. I slow myself down so I don't eat like a pig in a trough. 

“So what made you decide to film at the studio?” 

“Despite what you might think, I love the space. It’s a beautiful building, and you’ve made the inside something special.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that.” 

“My pleasure.” 

“If you don't mind me asking, what's the movie about?” 

He sighs, “It’s kind of a coming of age tale about a twenty something. He gets in trouble and has to find his way out and repay debts he’s accrued.” 

“Sounds serious, and personal.” I’m pleased to have the opportunity to stare him down. It's obvious that I hit the nail right on the head from his reaction. I wonder what kind of debts he has to repay, I know nothing about him. Maybe tonights the time to remedy that. Our filets arrive and I'm grateful that he ordered for me. This too is amazing. I would have ordered the cheapest thing on the menu and missed the opportunity to have such an wonderful dinner. As we finish our meal a band takes the stage. I turn admiring the talents of the musicians lilting "I only have eyes for you" 

“Would you like to dance?” Alex is standing aside my chair with his hand outstretched. I must not lead him on. “I don't know if that's a good idea." He leans to my ear and whispers, 

“I promise to behave myself." With a smile. I sigh with trepidation and raise my hand to meet his. Our fingers meet and the world falls away. I stand and even in my heels I'm much shorter than him. We make our way to the dance floor and he grazes his hand down my left arm and raises my hand to his shoulder. He leads, and I follow. This is how slow dancing is supposed to be. I've always associated slow dancing with awful memories of high school proms. This is the antithesis of that. He spins me with grace and power all at the same time. He smiles down at me and I mentally swoon. Come on, give a girl a chance here. 

“I hope your mom appreciated those flowers you tossed aside to her.”

He smirks at me.

“Oh I’m sure she did.” I match his sarcasm with my own.  

“Make sure to tell her she’s welcome.”

“Peonies, much more creative than roses.”

“I picked them because of their story.” 

I eye him, intrigued. 

“Greek mythology has it that a doctor named Peaon saved Zeus, and was immortalized into the peony. That's how peonies got their name and their meaning.”

“Which is?”

“To save”

“Oh.” I crinkle my brow.  

“When we met, that song. You’re voice is beautiful, so much more than you know.” He stares off, “I'm drawn to you in a way that I don't think I could explain if I tried...I'm sorry, this is a little intense for a first date. I should've taken you to a movie instead.” 

I laugh, and his face lights up. I'm twirled again,

“I never would have agreed to that.” 

“Whys that?” 

“Sitting silently next to a stranger for an hour and forty-five minutes.” 

“Agreed.” 

His smile is going to melt my bones. I must not lead him on. 

“Thank you for inviting me to dinner, I appreciate the gesture. This place is stunning, I've never been somewhere like this before.”

“You’re welcome, thank you for taking my invitation.”

“I don't want to give you the wrong impression though. I'm still not ready to date anyone. My sole purpose in life is to be the best mother I can be to my daughter. It takes every modicum of my being every day. It wouldn't be fair to my daughter or whomever I date. I'm sorry, but if you remember, I wasn’t exactly willing to go on this date either.” 

We're staring at each other, I'm waiting for the white flag, and he's not backing down. What's the deal? I just told him to pound sand. What's his game plan here?  

He stops dancing, eyes never leaving mine, and places his thumb on my chin while his fingertips graze my neck.

“I don't scare easy, and I don't back down from a challenge.” 

There’s the Alex I’ve been dealing with. He just switched from charming and sweet, to calm and calculated. How can someone have so much control? His thumb still placed on the dimple in my chin, he stares into my eyes. The restaurant is dissolving around me, it is now just Alex and I. His eyes are piercing through me. My heart is pounding harder than I'd like to permit it to. One touch. That's all it took to shake me down. I feel like I'm naked in front of him now. I fee exposed and self conscious. 

The song stops and the restaurant claps.

Reality comes crashing back into our realm. Everyone is staring at us,

“Let's settle the check and leave these fine people to their respective plans.” 

Damn those blue eyes. 

“I hope you know, that everything you're trying not to feel right now is reciprocated.” 

He leads me back to the table and throws an obscene amount of money down and spots my shock.  

“It's not polite to stare.” He quips. 

“I'm sorry, I just can't believe you were walking around with that much money on you.” 

I take note that he's still holding my hand, and how normal that feels. I must not lead him on. “I'm sure there are many ways I could surprise you.” He cant mean what I think he means. He's a Greek God, and I'm, I’m mom. He places his hand on the small of my back as he guides me through the restaurant. Oh no, this boy is trouble. 

We get in his car at the valet stand. I don't know much about cars, but his Rolls-Royce is beautiful. Black, shiny, leather, fast. All fun, not practical at all. 

“So, how long do you have your babysitters for?” 

“Why?” 

“Can I take you somewhere?” 

“Maybe, depends on your intentions.”

Did I just say that out loud? 

“Ms. Landry, tonight, they're less than wholesome. You can't wear a dress like that and not expect me to take notice. But its all up to you how this plays out.” 

Good thing I'm sitting, because I can't feel my legs. He's too good at this. 

“Well, I've made my intentions clear, so don't think flattery and charm are going to change my mind.” 

I'm expecting him to look a little shocked at the very least. I get no response. He starts the car and says, “Good, I love a challenge.”

We drive about ten minutes and park at the back entrance of the aquarium. I’m a little unnerved. He notices, of course. “If I was going to hurt you, I would have done it when you tried to tell me I have no effect on you.” He smiles and gets out to open my door. I admire the chivalry, and the fit of his suit. I must not lead him on. He takes my hand before I can protest, “Right this way.” Walking like this is nice, I'm a little cold, but it's not taking away from the experience. “Would you like my jacket?” 

“No, I’m alright.” 

“Camille, the only goosebumps I’d like to see on your skin are one’s that I’ve put there. Here.” He halts our stride, releases my hand and removes his coat. He walks behind me and drapes it over my shoulders. If I thought my heart was going to get used to him, I was mistaken. He grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles, “That’s better. Did I mention how amazing you look tonight?” 

“Did I mention that flattery will not change my mind.” 

“Ms. Landry, you should learn how to take a compliment.” Alex smiles, our banter is coming easy. We turn a corner and there’s the view. It’s the Queen Mary. “Come on let’s keep going, the view is better ahead.” We continue our walk down to the waters edge and stop at a railing. The lights from the marvelous ship are twinkling across the water and there are a million stars in the sky. “I’ve never seen it from this angle. It’s stunning.” 

“I know.” I turn and note that Alex isn’t looking at the boat, he’s looking at me. My instincts take over and I laugh, hard.  “What’s so funny?” He says a little wounded. “Oh gosh, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. That was just so cheesy.” I’m trying to get my act together and not laugh my head off. He smiles, “I know it was cheesy, but I meant it. And if it’s possible you’re even more beautiful when you laugh. I’m just enjoying that I put that smile on your face.” My mind flashes back to what he said on my porch two days ago. “What do I have to do to be the one to make you smile.” My laughing subsides, “Alex, I can’t date you.” 

“I know, just let me enjoy tonight.” We stand and enjoy the view for quite some time. “Alright, one last stop.” 

“How do you know I don’t have to go home?” 

“Do you?” 

“Well, no, but.” 

“Then let’s go.” He takes my hand and walks me back to the car. 

We're driving along in a palpable silence and I start to notice my surroundings. He's taking me home. I did not see this coming. Mr. I don’t back down from a challenge, admitting defeat. I'm not sure how I feel bout this. Maybe I should've played a little nicer, so I could at least enjoy one date with this gorgeous being. I must be making a face because he says, “I'm not taking you home yet.” He's reading me like a book. We pull up to a popular nightclub. I've only been in once before Bailey was born and loved the atmosphere, but not the price of drinks. Alex parks in the alley. He gets out and walks around to open my door. How does anyone have that many muscles? He must have taken a break from working out just for this date. I rise out of the car and before I can ask why we're in yet another alley I'm pulled over to a door. Alex knocks and a large Italian bouncer opens the door. 

“Good evening Sir, usual table?” 

“Yes.”

We're ushered in by another intimidating bouncer to a secluded table. Music is pounding, and it's not helping my confusion. What just happened? Are those guys his friends? Is that how we got in so quick? 

“Would you like a drink?”

“Rum and pineapple please.” 

Alex lifts his hand and in no time a waitress in a skimpy excuse for a dress is fawning for his order. 

“Water and a Rum and pineapple for the lady.”

“You're not drinking?”

“I'm driving, and precious cargo I might add.” 

I shake my head and look down trying to hide the fact I'm blushing. 

“Don't hide from me. I like to see that I'm not the only one affected here. Come on let's dance.” He takes my hand and leads me through a crowd of belligerent people who all look to be about my age. So this is how the other half lives. Once were in the middle of the crowd Alex looks around. I start trying to figure out what he's looking for but am at a loss. He leans in towards me and half yells, “It's like we're

invisible in this crowd. I kinda like it.” He shoots me his gorgeous smile and then pulls me into him. While everyone else is imitating sex, he's dancing with me. He's not grinding on me, he's not trying to feel me up. His left hand is on the small of my back and his right hand holds mine. I'm trying not to enjoy the firmness of his chest that I'm eye level with. "Hey"

He spins me and pulls me in again, "my eyes are up here." He breathes into my ear. I'm immediately covered in goosebumps. “There are those afore-mentioned goosebumps. I like these one’s much better.” After being twirled and dipped through a few songs Alex leans over me and asks 

“Would you like your drink?” I nod a and I'm escorted off the dance floor. I'm starting to enjoy Alex leading me everywhere. We get back to our secluded table and our drinks are waiting. I grab mine and Alex laughs. “Thirsty?” 

“A little.” He watches me sip my drink and I'm self conscious under his mindful eye. 

“Where did you learn to dance like that?” 

He blushes, and runs his hands through his hair. I’m learning that this is his tell. 

“Promise not to laugh?” 

“No.” I laugh. 

He smiles. 

“My mom made me take classes when I was a kid. I hated it, but now it seems to come in handy from time to time.” 

“Awe I bet you were the cutest little kid pouting during a fox trot.”

He laughs good and loud. 

“If only it were just a fox trot. She had me in ballet and tap too. ”

“Is that what you’re shooting at the studio?” 

“Yes, and we’re still shooting something along those lines, but another scene has been added.” 

“Did you have a hard time with it as a kid? I mean the dance classes. Kids can be mean.”

“It was challenging back then, but my parents wanted to give me every opportunity possible. They succeeded. Without them I'd be nothing.” My heart is melting as I'm  drinking down my rum. A man who loves his family. You've got to admire that my inner voice chimes in. This rum is making it harder to ignore the way I feel. He scoots across the booth were sharing and removes my empty glass from my grip. He then takes both of my hands and hits me with those dreamy blues. For the first time that night I don't back down from them. I don't shy away. I dive right in. Maybe it's the drink, but this feels right. He feels right. This moment is perfect, and we're not even talking. Something changes in his eyes from content to fear though. It's slight, but I can see it, and feel it. 

“What's wrong?” 

“Nothing. Are you ready to go?”  

“Yeah, Bailey is an early riser.”

 “Alright” 

The drive home is too short. The idea of being away from this Adonis is making me sad. We pull up in the driveway and he hops out to open my door. My last chance to admire him walk in front of the car. He opens my door and holds my hand as I rise, the same choreographed routine we’ve played out all night. He walks me to my door in silence. I raise my hand to reach in my bag for my keys. He stops me by holding my chin the way he did earlier. I close my eyes and revel in the moment. Before I open my eyes I feel his left arm wrap around my waist. It's been a long time since I've been held in a mans arms, I almost forgot how amazing it feels. My arms rise to his chest and I can feel his heart pounding. He releases my chin and strokes my cheek with the back of his hand, letting his fingertips trail off into my hair. 

“Tonight has been...perfect. Tell me I can see you again.” 

I break our stare.

“You can't tell me that this doesn't feel different, special. Please, look at me.” 

I comply, with weary eyes.

“Hey,” both of his hands rest upon my cheeks. 

“Remember what you said, about me just wanting the chase? It’s not that. I have no intent of leaving you alone. You make me feel things I never believed in before. Please just give me the chance to make you feel the same.”

I close my eyes. I can’t believe what I’m about to say. Maybe it’s the rum. Here we are in the exact same spot I tried telling him I didn’t feel bewildered by him, and now I’m the one admitting defeat.  

“Ok.” I whisper.

He smiles, “ok.” He leans in and kisses my forehead. This did not go the way I planed. I think I’m starting to like that though.

Reviews

[SweetNutmeg]

can you pickup some treats... two words, pick up

“Don't need to, this looks fine Andrea.” ... I don't understand what Andrea doesn't need to do

“I guess I got my groove back. You all can stop worrying now.” This made me laugh out loud. I can hear her voice in my head saying that!

can’t bring myself to throw out the peonies from Alex, I should, but they’re so beautiful... this needs to be two sentences, period between "from Alex" and "I should"

Camille is a fun character. I don't really understand her immediate attraction to Alex, but the way she's handling it is great. And oh boy, the tension. There's a great mixture of humor and seriousness in this chapter.

[T. Adams]

Thank you for editing for me. I have such a hard time because my brain just jumps ahead to the story. I'm glad that I could make you laugh, as you did me with your new entries.

I've had a hard time trying to explain what happens when you meet someone that you are extremely attracted to physically. It's just kind of hard to pin that emotion down.

[SweetNutmeg]

Oh man, you're really good at describing how she feels physically, and her conflicting feelings about that attraction make perfect sense the way you present them. You're doing an excellent job there. I've had instant reactions to people and her very first encounter with him is great, how flustered she is. Her reaction is a bit extreme, but isn't that the romance novel convention?

[Jennie Baron]

I absolutely loved "My heart is at the Alex pace."

Yeah, Alex is a little creepy, a little Christian Grey-like, although like Grey he has loyal employees who proclaim he's a good man.

You mention Henry and Luis during that first conversation. It's clear that Henry is the receptionist, but if you mentioned Luis before, it sort of got lost to me. Come to think of it, perhaps it's unnecessary to mention that Henry is the male receptionist?